India lose 3-6 to Germany in Sultan of Johor Cup semifinal
The Hindu
India failed to defend their Sultan of Johor Cup title, losing 3-6 to Germany. India's goals were scored by Amandeep Lakra, Uttam Singh, and Rohit. Germany dominated, scoring through Christian Franz, Nikas Berendts, Peer Hinrichs, and Sperling Florian. India will face the losers of Australia-Pakistan in the 3rd-4th place play-off.
Three-time champions India failed to defend their Sultan of Johor Cup junior hockey title, losing 3-6 to world no.2 Germany in the semifinal here on Friday.
Christian Franz (16th minute), Nikas Berendts (29th, 45th), Peer Hinrichs (43rd, 48th), and Sperling Florian (49th) found the back of the net for the Germans, who produced a dominating display.
India's goals were scored by Amandeep Lakra (35th), Uttam Singh (58th) and Rohit (60th).
The Indians started on the front foot, threatening Joshua Onyekwue Nnaji's goal on a couple of occasions in the opening minutes. But Germany had the first shot on target as Ben Hasbach's snapshot was deflected out by India goalkeeper Mohith HS.
A period of German dominance followed as they pinned India in their own half in search of the opening goal, and it was captain Matteo Poljaric who looked to test Mohith, whose vigilance ensured the first quarter ended goalless.
Franz scored in the very first minute of the second quarter, flashing a shot past Mohith after a string of passes in the circle.
The Indian colts seldom found opportunities to test Joshua in goal as Germany continued to pile on the pressure in the rest of the quarter.
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